The best way to enjoy a day of “Seafood, Suds, and Sucking”- Phuket (Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Patong Beach)

Paradise all over again in Phuket, Thailand!  I went to see my friend Lek remember her from last years post?  I gave her the best street food award of 2009?  Her pork and duck soup was the best I had ever had!  I went for dinner in Patong Beach with my good friend Hari (from Kata Beach).  The rain was piercing my arms, as we drove on Hari’s moped.  Yes, stupid idea, what one will do for great food!

Hari and I grabbed some seafood at the local restaurant, I did the ordering and per usual my eyes are bigger than my stomach!   I ordered one whole 450g Snapper, 2 massive prawns, and 1 squid weighing in around 400g.  Add the salad and veg to that and we had a food orgy!

After this massive meal, I introduced Hari to Lek and with the warmest hug and hello’s Lek not only remembered my name, but also got upset with me. She quickly reminded I promised her I would be back by summer 2010.  This is why I love Thailand, they are the kindest people but will give you a ton of grief if you don’t follow through, how she remembered blows my mind!

It rained EVERY SINGLE DAY, the Phuket weather is unpredictable. The sun was scarce this trip so spent the majority of my time  visiting friends and exploring areas of Phuket I did not make it to in 2009.  The blistering sun broke for a few hours so went to get some color on my pathetically pale skin!  (In Asia taking your shirt off and catching some rays is culturally unacceptable, unless at the beach)

I walked Kata Noi beach several times hoping to turn my “blanco skin” a few shades darker. In heaven I stumble upon one of the best local dives named Ska Bar.  Hmmm, do I stop in?  The thought of a frosty Chang beer sounded excellent, mental thought to self- make another lap then indulge.  Yeah, that didn’t work out so well…after a few quick camera shots I ended up just hanging at the bar and meeting a few Swedes (boy do they love their afternoon alcohol consumption!) At Ska Bar you can expect lots of reggae, dreadlocks, Bob Marley look-alikes and that ever so chill atmosphere. My kind of place, and for you future visitors to please add intoxicated Sweds to the list.

The clouds began to form again, rain soon to follow, it was time to bail or I was going to end up like Ernest Hemingway “aka Sloppy Joe” at the bar.  Thanks, but another time!

I headed back to my hotel and on the way passed a Thai massage shop that had this massive fish tank outside. The tank was filled with Garra rufa - doctor fish.  I had read about these little critters that nibble all your dead skin away… why not?  In go the feet, my eyes are bugging out and all the girls are laughing at me… as soon as my feet hit the water thousands upon thousands of these pulse sucking “guppies” start attaching themselves.  How do I get myself into these situations?  Finally, I accept the fact that there are fish sucking my legs and feet, I have a deep  internal thought, “Are my feet and legs really that bad?”

After all it was a fun experience, and it gave the group of employees something to laugh at… glad I could make their day! (Even if on my expense!)  Soon off to Koh Lanta for SCUBA diving, exploring, and most important EATING!

(more…)

“Hello Hello” Chinese Foot Massage

November 2010, Shanghai, China

The art of Chinese acupressure massage dates back more than 5,000 years.  This technique of applying pressure to particular “pressure points” is thought to relieve tension, improve circulation, and increase overall health.  As the chart shows quite clearly, you can get an overall “tune up” from a simple foot massage.

“Hello, Hello. . .”

The diminutive, white-shirted speaker greeted and cajoled in that one simple phrase.  Inside the shop (let’s not get ahead of ourselves and call it a studio or clinic) a row of eight apparently comfortable armchairs fronted by ottomans stretched down one side.  Seated on low stools, women in well-worn white shirts kneaded, slapped, and wrestled with the feet, ankles and calves of patrons who sat sipping tea from disposable cups.  Led by Chef Dave and accompanied by Keeblero, this was my initial trip to what became known as Hello, Hello Foot Massage.

(more…)

Fresh Chinese Noodles (Lamian) & Restaurants in Shanghai, China

Living in Shanghai, China has opened my eyes to much of China’s deep food culture. China is the birth of all things gastronomic, don’t be mistaken and think the Italian’s came up with pasta, it was a spin on the ancient art of Chinese noodle making, Lamien. The restaurants I frequent around Shanghai  (Pudong) by the Expo Village have been given nick names. This is simply because we can not read Chinese, so it is much easier to just call them by a memorable or identifiable names, such as Purple Chair, Crystal Underground, Duck Face…and so on.

Lamian noodles, known in Chinese as Lamian or Lamiantiao are popular with many ethnic groups both in Xinjiang and the rest of China. The name “Lamian” means “pulled noodles”.  These noodles are the best I have ever had!  It took me a while to find a recipe , but they are made with simple ingredients. Click on the LaMian link above to read more on the process.

(more…)

Wok Cooking in Chong Ming, Shanghai, China.

Watching the Zhang family prepare food for each meal was a lesson in its own right!  All the corn husks,  twigs, and grass were kept out to dry. Mrs. Zhang used this to start the fire. The heat was transferred through a chimney flute and powered the 2 woks for cooking.  The fire was moved from side to side, and various elements were added to enhance the heat depending on the chef’s request (Mr. Zhang).

(more…)

Chong Ming, China- The Zhang Residence & Farm

I was so delighted and more honored that I was invited to Kent’s (Pastry Chef from the US Pavilion) family home in Chong Ming about an hour outside of Shanghai.  Kent invited Will Fleichman and I to come and experience the real way of Chinese life outside the hustle and bustle of the big city.

(more…)

« Previous Entries Next Entries »